Saturday, March 14, 2009

Silvertips Slay Giants in Vancouver

Photo: Kelly Shelton/Everett Silvertips

The Everett Silvertips headed into Vancouver last night, stinging from three losses in a row, including a 7-2 whipping at the hands of the Spokane Chiefs Wednesday night. The ‘Tips were ready to take their frustrations out on someone, and the Vancouver Giants just happened to land in their sights. The Silvertips also had a little payback in mind for the Giants, as the last two times the teams faced each other, Vancouver shut Everett out, 8-0 and 3-0.

The Silvertips definitely had what it took to take down the Western Conference leading Giants. Tyler Parker got the scoring started for Everett in the final five minutes of the first period. Well, Parker’s skate actually did the trick, as a pass from Jesse Burt deflected off his skate and went into the net. Cameron Abney was also credited with an assist on this goal. Two minutes later, Tyler Maxwell notched Everett’s second goal, with help from WHL Rookie leading scorer Kellan Tochkin. The first period ended with Everett up 2-0.

Vancouver came roaring back in the second period. Brendan Gallagher put the Giants on the board just 2 minutes into the period, on a shorthanded goal with help from Brent Regner and Nick Ross. They scored again six minutes later on a power play, when Evander Kane got past ‘Tips goalie Thomas Heemskerk. Craig Shira and Casey Pierro-Zabotel were credited with the assists. The second period ended with things all tied up at 2-2.

The third period saw Vancouver take the lead just 36 seconds in. Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored, with help from Evander Kane and Craig Cunningham. But the Silvertips were not going to be denied on this night. Kellan Tochkin scored about 4 minutes in, taking a pass from Tyler Maxwell and shooting the puck past Giants goalie Tyson Sexsmith. Nearly two minutes later, Everett took the lead, as Byron Froese scored a power play goal, with help from Kellan Tochkin and Taylor Ellington. Shane Harper scored with just under two minutes left in regulation, putting the Silvertips up 5-3. Daniel Bartek got the assist.

Silvertips goalie Thomas Heemskerk stopped 40 shots for his 16th win of the season. Everett won a decisive game, scoring 5 goals in only 16 shots on Vancouver’s goal.

The Silvertips hope to ride this turnaround back into Comcast Arena tonight, where they face the Chilliwack Bruins for Fan Appreciation Night. The puck drops at 7:05 and tickets are still available. Click here for more information.

Everett closes out the regular season tomorrow at ShoWare Center in Kent, against cross-town rivals the Seattle Thunderbirds. Everett won the last match-up between the two teams at ShoWare on March 1st, in an exciting game that went to a shootout. Shane Harper scored the shootout winner. Tomorrow’s game starts at 5:05. Click here for more information.

If you can’t make it to Everett or Kent to see the ‘Tips in action tonight and tomorrow night, you can listen on the radio. Just tune to 1380AM KRKO for all the exciting play by play action.